Since I took the plunge and started selling knives in mid '09 I've been fairly busy. I've taken quite a few orders and made quite a few spec knives. All of my spec knives have gone within a few weeks after completion.....except for recently. I'm wondering if this is typical for Jan or if I'm just making the wrong spec knives. I know a lot of people are low on cash after the holidays so maybe this is normal. Are any of the rest of you experiencing the same thing?
-Dave

January is always a slow time of year. For me, selling pipes and the occasional knife, the time between September and Christmas is the busiest. I think it's a mix of Christmas presents, and people having a little extra cash - though this past year wasn't anywhere near as busy as it has been in previous years.

I did sell more knives this year though, which made up for the light pipe sales.

First of the year through tax refund time it always slow of knife sales. Another aspect we face these days is the MASSIVE influx of beginning/hobby knifemakers. Most of them who have recently jumped on the bandwagon are putting out a very low priced product, and based on what I've seen, the quality matches the prices.

Things will usually pick up as tax refund time rolls around, and continue to increase the rest of the year.

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Not to be contrary but this has been the busiest post-Christmas season I've had in a long time. Usually this is my "Gone Fishin" time, but haven't had a chance to wet a hook. I do agree Ed, there has been a major influx in novice makers in the market. Been a real boon for suppliers and toolmakers, but think it will slow down a bit as people begin to realize the differences. Maybe even the price of anvils will stabilize....

I have had a surge in request for classes possibly due to all the TV shows, but there are only so many days in a calendar year and I stay booked out around 6 months anyway. Quite a few of the quality makers in the Georgia Guild are experiencing the same. Wouldn't think it a regional thing.

There does seem to be more readiness to spend that non-designated cash recently. I don't use the term "extra cash", really don't think that exist (doesn't in my world). We've had some pretty uncertain years in the recent past so I surely welcome that.